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Tire Development Engineer Jobs in Oak Ridge, TN (NOW HIRING)

MES Analyst

Clinton, TN · On-site

$80 - $110/hr

... and Tire manufacturing facilities, enabling improved operational performance and data-driven ... The MES Analyst will work closely with cross-functional teams--including IT, engineering, and plant ...

As a Forklift Tire Technician, you will give input for customer service and operational improvement ... Pioneering engineered materials for more than 130 years, Michelin is uniquely positioned to make ...

MES Analyst

Clinton, TN · On-site

$65K - $70K/yr

... and Tire manufacturing facilities, enabling improved operational performance and data-driven ... The MES Analyst will work closely with cross-functional teams-including IT, engineering, and plant ...

EHS Manager

Clinton, TN · On-site

$76K - $114K/yr

We are proud to employ industry experts in the tire world as well as tremendous talent from other ... Whether youre in Finance, Sales, Marketing, Engineering, Human Resources, working the shop floor ...

EHS Manager

Clinton, TN · On-site

$75 - $110/hr

We are proud to employ industry experts in the tire world as well as tremendous talent from other ... Whether youre in Finance, Sales, Marketing, Engineering, Human Resources, working the shop floor ...

Tire Development Engineer information

See Oak Ridge, TN salary details

$46.8K

$91.9K

$146.8K

How much do tire development engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for tire development engineer in Oak Ridge, TN is $91,928.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $76,000.00 and $101,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a tire development engineer do?

A Tire Development Engineer is responsible for designing, testing, and improving tires to meet performance, safety, and durability requirements. They work with materials, tread patterns, and structural components to optimize tire characteristics for various vehicles and driving conditions. Tire Development Engineers collaborate with manufacturing, quality assurance, and research teams to bring new tire concepts from prototype to production. Their work involves a combination of computer modeling, laboratory testing, and real-world evaluations to ensure tires meet industry and regulatory standards.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a tire development engineer?

To thrive as a Tire Development Engineer, you need a solid background in mechanical or automotive engineering, strong analytical skills, and experience with tire design principles. Familiarity with CAD software, finite element analysis tools, and industry standards—as well as relevant certifications—are typically required. Strong problem-solving abilities, teamwork, and effective communication help you excel in cross-functional environments. These competencies are crucial for developing safe, high-performance tires that meet regulatory and customer requirements.

What are some typical challenges faced by tire development engineers when balancing performance, safety, and cost requirements?

Tire Development Engineers often navigate the complex challenge of balancing performance, safety, and cost when designing new tire products. Meeting high safety standards and performance targets—such as grip, durability, and fuel efficiency—can sometimes conflict with cost constraints or manufacturability. Engineers must work closely with cross-functional teams, including manufacturing, testing, and procurement, to ensure that design solutions satisfy regulatory requirements while remaining commercially viable. Staying up to date with new materials and testing methods also presents ongoing challenges but offers opportunities for innovation and professional growth.

What is the difference between Tire Development Engineer vs Tire Test Engineer?

AspectTire Development EngineerTire Test Engineer
Primary FocusDesigning and developing new tire productsTesting and evaluating tire performance
Required SkillsMaterial science, CAD, engineering designTesting procedures, data analysis, lab equipment
Work EnvironmentDesign labs, R&D facilities, manufacturing plantsTesting labs, vehicle testing sites
Common CertificationsMechanical or automotive engineering degreesQuality assurance, testing certifications

While Tire Development Engineers focus on creating and designing new tires, Tire Test Engineers specialize in evaluating tire performance through testing. Both roles require engineering backgrounds and often collaborate during product development to ensure tires meet safety and quality standards.

How to become a tire development engineer?

To become a tire development engineer, a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, materials science, or a related field is typically required. Gaining experience with rubber materials, testing methods, and CAD software is important, and advanced roles may require a master's degree or specialized training in tire design and manufacturing processes.

What job categories do people searching Tire Development Engineer jobs in Oak Ridge, TN look for?

The top searched job categories for Tire Development Engineer jobs in Oak Ridge, TN are:

What cities near Oak Ridge, TN are hiring for Tire Development Engineer jobs?

Cities near Oak Ridge, TN with the most Tire Development Engineer job openings:

Materials Research Chemist Engineer

THE CARLSTAR GROUP LLC

Clinton, TN • On-site

$115K - $125K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 12 days ago


Job description

Titan International is a global leader in specialty tires and wheels, serving industries such as agriculture, construction, outdoor power equipment, powersports, and trailers. We deliver high-quality products that help keep equipment operating and businesses moving. With a strong global footprint and a customer-first mindset, we're focused on growth, innovation, and building a team that drives our continued success.
We're seeking a Materials Research Chemist Engineer to join our team. This role is responsible for advancing tire product performance through development and optimization of rubber formulations, materials, and manufacturing processes. The ideal candidate will bring strong expertise in rubber chemistry and tire materials, along with leadership capabilities to guide a team of chemists, engineers, and technicians. This role plays a critical part in driving product innovation, cost efficiency, and performance improvements across the organization.
What you will be doing:
  • Develop new rubber formulations and refine existing mixes
  • Maintain and update formulations and manufacturing specifications
  • Determine appropriate testing methods and evaluate material properties
  • Analyze and optimize tire performance characteristics
  • Utilize advanced testing tools such as FTIR, RPA, DMA, and MDR
  • Write and maintain manufacturing specifications for compounds, materials, and mixing processes
  • Provide technical support to manufacturing, quality, and project teams
  • Evaluate and resolve process and product performance issues
  • Interface with plant operations, maintenance, and engineering teams
  • Validate new raw materials and suppliers
  • Provide technical oversight for all materials used in tire manufacturing
  • Ensure compliance with REACH and other regulatory and customer requirements
  • Identify and implement opportunities to reduce material costs and waste
  • Drive process improvement initiatives using Lean and Six Sigma methodologies
  • Support new product introduction and process development initiatives
  • Lead and develop a team of chemists, engineers, and technicians
  • Manage projects from concept through implementation
  • Collaborate cross-functionally and influence without direct authority when needed
  • Align team efforts with corporate goals and performance objectives

Required Education & Experience
  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Chemistry, Polymer Science, or a related field.
  • 5+ years of experience in rubber technology, tire materials, or formulation development.
  • Leadership or team management experience required.
  • Experience with Lean/Six Sigma and continuous improvement initiatives.
  • Strong knowledge of rubber formulation, testing, and tire manufacturing processes.
  • Proficiency with FTIR, RPA, DMA, MDR, and Microsoft Office; Minitab preferred.
  • Experience managing budgets, staffing, and project performance.
  • Strong analytical, problem-solving, communication, and leadership skills.
  • Results-driven, detail-oriented professional with the ability to lead projects to completion.
  • Willingness to travel up to 15% and support evolving business needs.